Receive A Letter From FEMA? Here’s How To Understand It. And How To Appeal.

October 14, 2020

Florida residents who applied for assistance from FEMA after sustaining damage from Hurricane Sally will receive a letter from FEMA in the mail or via email.

Escambia County is offering the following tips on how to understand the letter, and how to file an appeal.

The letter will explain your application status and how to respond. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds.

Applicants may need to submit additional information for FEMA to continue to process an application.

  • Examples of missing documentation may include:
  • Proof of insurance coverage Settlement of insurance claims
  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of occupancy
  • Proof of ownership
  • Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster

If you have questions about your letter go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).

A FEMA inspection may be required to determine whether a home is safe, sanitary and functional. Currently, such inspections are being conducted remotely, by telephone, following COVID-19 guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control.

FEMA considers the following factors when determining whether an applicant may be eligible for assistance:

  • The exterior of the home is structurally sound, including the doors, roof and windows.
  • The electricity, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer or septic systems function properly.
  • The interior’s habitable areas are structurally sound, including the ceiling and floors.
  • The home is capable of functioning for its intended purpose.
  • There is safe access to and from the home. FEMA assistance is not the same as insurance.

FEMA assistance only provides funds for basic work to make a home habitable, including toilets, a roof, critical utilities, windows and doors.

Appealing FEMA’s Decision

Applicants who disagree with FEMA’s decision, or the amount of assistance, may submit an appeal letter and documents supporting their claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs.

FEMA cannot duplicate assistance provided by another source, such as insurance settlements. However, those who are underinsured may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled by submitting insurance settlement or denial documents to FEMA. FEMA does not provide assistance for insurance deductibles.

Appeals must be in writing. In a signed and dated letter, explain the reason(s) for the appeal. It should also include:

  • Applicant’s full name
  • Disaster number (4564 in Florida)
  • Address of the pre-disaster primary residence
  • Applicant’s current phone number and address
  • The FEMA registration number on all documents

If someone other than an applicant or co-applicant writes the appeal letter, that person must sign it and provide FEMA with a signed statement authorizing the individual to act on behalf of the applicant.

Letters must be postmarked within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. Appeal letters and supporting documents may be submitted to FEMA by fax or mail or via a FEMA online account. To set up an online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Apply Online” and follow the directions.

By mail:

FEMA
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055

By fax:

800-827-8112
Attention: FEMA

Comments

One Response to “Receive A Letter From FEMA? Here’s How To Understand It. And How To Appeal.”

  1. David on October 14th, 2020 10:03 am

    Do not waste your time with an appeal, when Ivan came through we lost our entire roof and major damage , water damaged everything else that was in the home.
    I was unemployed and laid off. This was my own paid off home but had no insurance

    When we were denied we filed a congressional appeal. right by the rules and guidelines ….we were ignored and never heard from the appeal.
    NEVER! This is 2020 now.
    Dont get your hopes up
    The church helped us and did not give us a run around
    However we were given 2 bags of ice and a MRE box.
    Good luck also…no SBA either..

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News